Community Outreach Program
Informing and Motivating Canadians
The Community Outreach Program at Horizons of raises awareness domestically about the challenges faced by people in the Mesoamerican region. It also informs Canadians about the programs and initiatives supported that strengthen cooperation between North and South. By encouraging an understanding of international development in Canada, we inform and engage citizens, allowing them to see local issues from a global perspective.
In order to address the root causes of poverty and injustice in Central America and Mexico, we understand very well that we must first inform people about development issues in order to mobilize and build larger constituencies dedicated to creating a more equitable and just world. Horizons of Friendship does this through a number of activities:
Partner Visits:
Every year (usually in November) we sponsor the visit of a representative of one of our partner organizations from Central America and Mexico. The visits to Canada are at the core of the Community Outreach program because they increase understanding of our partners’ work, while stressing the importance of international solidarity. Partner visits are opportunities to undertake a series of public presentations, networking meetings, and visits with stakeholders throughout Canada.
Youth Engagement:
Youth in smaller-population centres, such as Cobourg, are an under-served group in terms of real opportunities for participation and action on community issues. Horizons provides a youth-friendly space where youth can channel their interests around global and social justice issues.
Horizons of Friendship has received a 2-year grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation for its Youth Initiatives. We are working to expand our programming capacity and services to offer additional opportunities for youth, through our ties with local schools, youth and community groups.
As well, Horizons accepts coop students from three Cobourg High Schools, providing youth with the opportunity to earn their 40 volunteer hours, a requirement of Ontario high schools, while learning more about Horizons’ work.
David Stewart Medal:
The David Stewart Medal was set up to honour one of Horizons’ founders. It recognizes volunteerism and leadership of Canadians in addressing social inequality and injustice. The application form can be downloaded here.
You can also read about our past recipients.
Summer Film Series:
Every summer, Horizons organizes an annual film and discussion series in Cobourg. Five different documentaries or movies are presented that address topics of relevance to Mesoamerica, while a guest speaker is invited to expand on the selected topics. These events are open to the public and are free of charge. The objective of the series is to motivate Canadians to have a greater understanding of issues affecting populations beyond their own borders through film.
Exposure Tours:
An exposure tour is a unique opportunity to travel and learn about the culture, history, and social context of a developing country. Every tour includes a chance to meet with Horizons partner organizations in the country, allowing participants to learn first-hand about their work and the initiatives we support. This is an excellent opportunity for people who want to go beyond traditional tourism, and learn about community development and social justice. The tours also include visits to important cultural and natural sites.
To find out more about the Community Outreach Program, including our annual exposure tours, please contact Rachael Currie at 1-888-729-9928 ext. 24 or at rcurrie@horizons.ca
